Maryland Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Fentanyl
Distribution resulted in the death of a 16-year-old victim.
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Court Judge Deborah L. Boardman sentenced Mikiyas Kefyalew, 27, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a Bethesda, Maryland, minor in January 2022.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Acting Special Agent in Charge Shane Todd, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Chief Marc R. Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD); and Chief Jason West, Rockville City Police Department (RCPD).
“This case is a heartbreaking example of the horrific impact fentanyl is having on our communities, especially our youth,” Hayes said. “Unfortunately, no sentence can undo the devastating loss suffered by this young victim’s family who will live with the consequences of this defendant’s ruthless actions for the rest of their lives. Our office and law enforcement partners remain firmly committed to seeking justice for victims of the fentanyl crisis and doing everything in our power to hold fentanyl dealers accountable.”
“Illegal drugs kill people. Fentanyl kills people,” Todd said. “Criminals like Mr. Kefyalew destroy lots of families by selling deadly illicit drugs, many of which are laced with fentanyl. What’s even more concerning is that they prey on vulnerable individuals by misleading them into believing they are consuming something different. This sentence reflects our dedication to investigating and holding accountable those criminals responsible for perpetuating opioid addiction and fatal poisonings in our community. Our job is to ultimately protect the lives of our residents.”
According to court documents, Kefyalew knowingly and intentionally distributed a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 4-Anilino-N-phenethlpiperdine (“despropionyl fentanyl”) to Victim 1, resulting in Victim 1’s death. Kefyalew distributed the fentanyl in the form of circular, blue pills with “M 30” imprinted on them. This mimics the markings on legitimate pills that one receives from a manufacturer containing oxycodone hydrochloride.
Kefyalew was subject to a higher sentence for knowingly misrepresenting fentanyl as another substance, and for distributing to a vulnerable victim. In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Boardman also ordered Kefyalew to forfeit funds he received from drug dealing, and to pay restitution.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, MCPD, and RCPD for their work in the investigation, and the Metropolitan Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department, and Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Joel Crespo who prosecuted this case.
